Uncertainty Principles - psychological fiction by Krista Tibbs

His rusty helmet of uncombed hair was the second thing they noticed. The first was his purple cape lined in silver, which he twirled with a flourish over his dark jeans, too skinny on his paunchy frame and an inch too short to meet his flat gray Converse sneakers manufactured circa the 1970s. Beneath his cape, he wore a wrinkled t-shirt printed with the text: My questions are for your benefit. I already know the answers. The teammates stared up at him, speechless.

“I am Dmitri. Let us begin.”

*****

Nine years ago, five college students conceived a way to use atmospheric energy to predict mass acts of human violence. A tragic event ended the project, and team leaders Aiyana and Brian haven’t spoken since. Overwhelmed with guilt, Brian has spent the years alone in his lab redeveloping the energy model. Aiyana, now a doctor, refuses to acknowledge his covert research—until the new model predicts a threat to their heartland town.

The teammates reunite under a cloud of mutual contempt and buried affections. As the urgency rises with each new piece of data, they challenge each other’s philosophies and struggle to cope with their inner fears.

“Don’t you see? We never know what’s going to happen next, but uncertainty can be either the root of fear or the cornerstone of hope. It all depends on the observer.”